Ground Beef Chili with Beans

This Easy Ground beef chili is thick and rich and comes together in about 30 minutes. Serve with cornbread, saltines, tortilla chips, or over a loaded baked potato for a delicious weeknight or lazy weekend meal.

Course Soup

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 310

Author Ronda Eagle | Kitchen Dreaming

Ingredients

2 pounds lean ground beef , 93% or leaner
1 medium onion , diced
2 cloves garlic , minced
8 oz tomato sauce
2 tablespoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin [See Note 1]
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tsp salt , more or less to taste
1 tsp ground pepper more or less to taste
2 cups kidney beans if canned -rinsed and drained

Instructions

Place the ground beef in a large pot and add the onions and garlic.
Cook over medium heat until browned.
Drain off any excess fat, and then pour in the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt and ground black pepper.
Stir together well, cover, and then reduce the heat to low.
For a quick weeknight meal, simmer over low heat for 25minutes, stirring occasionally.
If you have more time, simmer on low for an hour, stirring occassionally.
If the mixture becomes overly dry, add 1/2 cup water at a time as needed.
Taste and adjust the seasonings. Add the beans and simmer for 10 minutes.

Notes

Drain the beef well: After browning, remove excess grease to prevent a greasy chili.
Simmer for best flavor: Chili thickens and develops deeper flavor as it simmers. If time allows, cook a little longer.
Taste at the end: Salt and spice levels change as chili reduces, so adjust seasoning just before serving.
Chili thickens as it cools: If it seems slightly thin, let it rest a few minutes before adding more thickener.

Variations (7 Ways)

Mild Chili (Kid-Friendly):
Use mild chili powder and skip cayenne or hot peppers.
Spicy Chili:
Add cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeño.
Thick Chili:
Simmer uncovered longer or mash ½ cup of beans into the pot.
Extra-Bean Chili:
Add an additional can of black beans or pinto beans.
Veggie-Packed Chili:
Stir in diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini with the tomatoes.
Smoky Chili:
Use smoked paprika or substitute fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
Creamy Chili:
Stir in 2–4 ounces cream cheese or a few tablespoons of sour cream at the end.

Nutrition